Vavincourt Aerodrome

The initial 1945 closure was a result of the end of World War II hostilities in Europe; the temporary airfield was no longer needed by Allied forces. The final closure in the late 2010s was due to land redevelopment. The site was selected for the construction of a large-scale photovoltaic power plant, making continued aviation operations impossible.

The site of the former Vavincourt Aerodrome is now completely occupied by the Vavincourt Photovoltaic Power Plant (Centrale photovoltaïque de Vavincourt). This large solar farm covers the entirety of the former runway and operational areas. While some faint outlines of the airfield might be discernible in historical aerial photos, the modern infrastructure of the solar plant has permanently repurposed the land.

Vavincourt Aerodrome holds significant military history from World War II. It was known as Advanced Landing Ground A-64 Vavincourt, a temporary tactical airfield built by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) IX Engineer Command in September 1944. Its primary purpose was to support the Ninth Air Force as Allied ground forces advanced across France towards Germany. The airfield was critical for fighter-bomber operations and hosted several notable units flying the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt:
- **365th Fighter Group** (September - October 1944)
- **368th Fighter Group** (September 1944 - January 1945)
- **405th Fighter Group** (December 1944 - February 1945)
These groups flew numerous combat missions from Vavincourt, providing close air support for ground troops, conducting armed reconnaissance, and playing a vital role during the Battle of the Bulge. After the combat units moved forward, the airfield was used for resupply and casualty evacuation before being dismantled and returned to agricultural use. In its later life, it served the local general aviation community as a modest ultralight (ULM) airfield before its final closure.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Vavincourt Aerodrome. The construction of the permanent and extensive solar power plant on the site makes a return to aviation activities physically and economically impossible. The land is committed to renewable energy production for the foreseeable future.